Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
1
Some Background on the
SuBject of Site grading
Site GradinG informS deSiGn
Inspired landscape designs contain at least one vital ingredient: an inspired
grading design. Many designers consider landscape grading as the generative
basis for many of their successful landscape site designs. The ambition of this
text is to present an approach to grading that will prepare students not only to
grasp and master concepts of landscape site grading but to develop site-grading
and drainage design solutions that are both practical and aesthetically pleasing.
Students reading this text will appreciate that the underlying approach consid-
ers grading as an integral component of site design. Design should be in their
thoughts as they walk from their design studio class and into the classroom
where their grading course is held. Just as they spend their design studio class
time and their evenings striving to develop exciting and inspiring landscape
design solutions, they should experience this same enthusiasm in the hours
they spend developing grading assignments.
Cultures throughout history have modified the native landscape to
accommodate their activities and to facilitate their survival. The Native
Americans who settled in what is now Bandelier National Monument in New
Mexico found a river valley suitable for habitation and managing their crops
(Figure 1.1-A). Modifications of the existing landscape were required to enable
them to adapt to the landscape they found. In some cases the modifications
